Why study classics?

Because knowledge of Greek and Roman antiquity is fundamental to understanding the ancient and modern world.

Undergraduate Programs

Classics is the integrated study of Greek and Roman civilization through
its languages, its literature, and its artistic and archaeological
remains.

Language Proficiency

The CLAS language requirement may be fulfilled by taking either Latin
or Greek. To meet the language requirement in Latin, a student should
complete LAT 104, LAT 108, and LAT 112 followed by LAT 200 (or their
equivalents). To meet the language requirement in Greek, a student
should complete GRK 104, GRK 108 or their equivalents, and 2 more courses (6 hours) at the
GRK 300 level. The number of hours required may be reduced if a student
has high school or transfer hours.

Placement in Latin

Students who wish to enroll in Latin after studying Latin in high
school or elsewhere should seek advice from the classics faculty about
appropriate placement in Latin courses at KU. Whenever possible, make an
advising appointment in advance by calling the Department of Classics
at 785-864-3153 or by contacting
an adviser.

Retroactive Credit in Latin

In cooperation with the University Registrar, the Department of
Classics awards retroactive university credit for work in Latin at the
high school level. To qualify for retroactive credit, the student’s
initial university-level enrollment in Latin must be in a KU course. The
student qualifies for retroactive credit only after completing the KU
Latin course with a grade of C or higher.

After completing such a course with a qualifying grade, the student
must bring his or her ARTS form and high school transcript to the
Department of Classics office for verification. The department then
notifies the Office of the University Registrar of the number of credit
hours to be awarded. The student’s transcript shows the number of hours
awarded but no letter grade. The hours count toward graduation.
Guidelines are as follows:

2 Years of High School Latin: A student must enroll initially
at
KU in LAT 112 or LAT 113 and receive a grade of C or higher. 3 hours
of retroactive credit will be awarded.

3 Years of High School Latin: A student who initially enrolls
in
LAT 200 or LAT 201 and receives a grade of C or higher will receive 6
hours of retroactive credit. A student who enrolls in LAT 112 or LAT 113
and receives a grade of C or higher will receive 3 hours of retroactive
credit.

4 Years of High School Latin: A student who initially enrolls
in a
Latin course higher than LAT 200 or LAT 201 (e.g., any 300-level Latin
course) and receives a grade of C or higher will receive 9 hours of
retroactive credit. A student who enrolls in LAT 200 or LAT 201 and
receives a grade of C or higher will receive 6 hours of retroactive
credit.

Note: If a student initially enrolls in a course below the
specified level (e.g., a student with 4 years of high school Latin
enrolls in LAT 112 or LAT 113), he or she receives no retroactive
credit. If a student initially enrolls in a course above the specified
level (e.g., a student with 2 years of high school Latin enrolls in
LAT 200 or LAT 201, or a student with 3 years of high school Latin
enrolls in a Latin course higher than LAT 200 or LAT 201) and receives a
grade of C or higher, he or she is eligible for the full retroactive
credit allowed for that course.

Courses for Nonmajors

The department offers a range of courses in ancient art, archaeology, literature, and language, including 4 years of undergraduate Latin and 3½ years of ancient Greek. No knowledge of Latin or Greek is needed for courses labeled CLSX, such as the principal course CLSX 148 Greek and Roman Mythology.

Why study classics?

Because knowledge of Greek and Roman antiquity is fundamental to understanding the ancient and modern world.

Graduate Programs

The Department of Classics offers advanced course work in the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome. Students are expected to study the classical languages (Greek and Latin) and literatures as well as the art and archaeological remains of the Greek and Roman worlds.